Cleary responds to code switch rumours

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has spoken for the first time about rumours his son Nathan is set to make a big money move to play rugby union.

Earlier this week, Wallabies legend Tim Horan said Nathan had nothing left to prove in league and that he would suit the pace of union which sparked a frenzy of rumours.

The rumour mill around Cleary’s future in the NRL and Australia is working overtime with some parties believing he will move to the UK Super League while others have tipped him to follow Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to union.

His relationship with Matildas and Manchester City star Mary Fowler is understood to be primary lure to Cleary considering his future and if he was to head to England, union pays considerably more than league.

When asked if his son is set to make a big move, Ivan said: “Nathan’s here for another two years, so that’s where he’s going to be.

“Nat’s a pretty open-minded kid. That’s down the track, so maybe, who knows? But he’s contracted here for another two years, so that’s what he’s doing.

“I don’t think he reads too much stuff (so it doesn’t worry him). He’s got his own little circle, so I don’t think he’s too fussed.

“I’m sure he’d be able to play OK (if he did go to rugby). I don’t think he’s ever played. He’d have to avoid all the rucks, kick and goal kick, so he’d go all right.”

Wallabies door is open

Incoming Wallabies coach Les Kiss says Cleary would be an asset to the code.

Asked what he would think of Cleary as a union player, Kiss told SENQ Breakfast: “I think if he was available, he would be a person that would adapt very quickly.

“He would be an asset to the game for sure.

“Speaking with Joe (Schmidt) the other day of course they’re (big names) of interest but that’s not going to happen at this stage.

“We know we have enough good players to roll into the World Cup and we will back our talent.

“But Nathan Cleary what a legend.”

NRL insiders believe Cleary could be used as the marquee signing if the league comes good on its plans to invest into the UK Super League.

SEN’s Andrew Voss believes the time is now for Cleary to capitalise on the pull of his surname and make the move to the northern hemisphere – but not switch codes.

“I’ll get a little romantic,” Voss said to his co-host on SEN 1170 Breakfast. “There is no doubt the young man is in love and his love is on the other side of the world and his love is never coming back to Australia for her sporting career because she can’t.

“Nathan has won four premierships, Origin, he’s a Test player, World Cup; he has achieved all the things you want to do in a career and I’m saying love might win out here.

“I’m not saying playing union but I can see Cleary playing in the northern hemisphere. “It’s obvious they’re in love and how long can that relationship be on the other side of the world when there is a solution?”